Q: Who needs an electrical license?
A: Anyone who contracts, performs new construction and rewiring of existing structures. They also install electrical wiring, equipment devices, light fixtures, services, and meter bases.
Q: How do I get a contractor back to finish a project?
A: First you need to get a detailed list of work to be performed, and a schedule of how payments are to be paid. Don't forget to never make a final payment until the electrical inspector performs their inspection and you have a copy of the certificate of compliance.
Q: Where can I get the latest edition of the National Electric Code?
A: The Office of Housing does not sell these books. They can be purchased from most electrical supply stores, bookstores, the National Fire Prevention Association at 800-344-3555 or the IAEI (International Association of Electrical Inspectors) at 800-786-4234.
Q: Where can I take the test for electrical license?
A: The testing agency to register for tests is ICC and they can be contacted at 877-783-3926 or by clicking the following link for Contractors, Masters, Electrical and Electrical Electrician license (
). The testing agency for electrical inspectors 2A residential and 2B general is Thomson. They may be reached at 800-864-5309.
Q: Are all electrical inspectors state employees?
A: All electrical inspectors are state certified but they are not employed by the state. There are only seven state employed electrical inspectors. The rest are private inspectors and should carry a card that states they are not state employees.
Q: How do I know if a contractor has a required license?
A: Ask to visually see their current license. If in doubt call the Office of Housing at 502-573-2002 and verify that the license is current.
Q: What if I have a problem with an inspector?
A: If the problem pertains to his or her job performance and integrity then please call our office at 502-573-1797 or 502-573-1798. If the problem is their personality or rudeness then call your local County Judge's office.
Q: What if there is an electrical inspector who is inconsistent with his or her fees?
A: KRS 227.487 states "Except where other rules are adopted by a city or county, the following reporting and fee requirements shall apply to electrical inspections of residential buildings and single family dwellings:
- The inspector shall complete a report for each inspection. One (1) copy of the report shall be given to the owner of the electrical installation or his representative at the time the inspection fees are paid. A second copy of the report shall be sent to the Office of Housing, Buildings and Construction no later than one (1) week after the inspection is completed.
- The report shall include, but is not limited to, the following:
- The address of the dwelling inspected
- The number of rooms, number of receptacles and number of switch boxes inspected
- Number of code violations, if any
- A description of each code violation and recommended change to correct the violation
- The date and time of day the inspection commenced
- The time, in hours and minutes, required for inspection
- The number of miles and hours and minutes of travel time incurred by the inspector for that inspection, if mileage and travel charges are added to the inspection fee.
- The amount charged for the inspection, separated into an amount for mileage, if any, and the amount for travel time, if any, and the amount charged for the actual inspection.
The maximum inspection fee shall be an amount equal to the prevailing wage for master electrician in the region in which the inspection is made, multiplied by the time required to conduct the inspection. The rate shall not be applied to travel time to and from the inspection.
- An inspector may charge, in addition to the inspection fee, an amount for necessary travel to and from the inspection site. The mileage rate charged shall not exceed the amount per mile allowed to state employees, and the inspector shall charge no more than ten dollars ($10) per hour for travel. If two or more inspections are made during one trip then the cost of travel shall be divided between the inspections made. In no case shall an inspector charge more than once for the same trip, or charge for mileage or time not actually expended.
- Each inspector shall furnish bond of five thousand ($5,000) with surety satisfactory to the Office of Housing, Buildings and Construction.
- The Office of Housing, Buildings and Construction reporting forms which meet the requirements of subsection (1) of this section, and provide these forms to electrical inspectors. The office shall adopt regulations to administer the requirements of this section.
Nothing in this section is intended to limit the right of cities or counties to set fees or adopt rules for electrical inspections which are different from those specified in subsections (1), (2), (3) or (4) of this section.
Q: What qualifications are required to be an electrical inspector?
A: A person must have five years experience in residential, commercial and industrial wiring and then take the NCPCCCI examination.
Q: Where can I get continuing education classes?
A: Click the following link for thecontinuing education class web site.